Practical joke smoke balls or like devices and method of making same

ABSTRACT

A practical joke smoke ball item of the pyrotechnic type having an impact and pressure-resistant casing containing a smokeproducing charge and open aperture means which initially accommodate at least one ignition fuse, said aperture means subsequently serving as a smoke emission port or chimney of the smoke ball during combustion of said charge.

United States Patent 1151 3,678,855

Semel 1 51 July 25, 1972 s41 PRACTICAL JOKE SMOKE BALLS 0R 1,608,518 11/1926 Minrath 102/31 LIKE DEVICES AND METHOD OF 1,789,372 l/ 1931 Scardone.... ...l02/33 KIN 1,873,202 8/1932 Hitt MA G SAW ...102/31 2,058,56711/1936 Cimorosi 72] Inventor: Bernard J. Semel, 1441 Okie St. MB, 2,543,006 2/1951 Finke1stein.... ....149/84 Washington, Dc. 20002 2,995,526 8/1961 Dement ..149/85 [221 17,1969 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1211 PP 342,568 581,372 10/1946 Great Britain ..102/33 Rehmd Appncmon Dam 745,192 2/1956 Great Britain ..102/33 [63] Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 685,194, Nov. 22, Primary Examiner-Robert F. Stahl 1967. Attorney-John E. Becker s21 u.s.c1..,, ..102/37.2,102/31, 102/33 [57] ABSTRACT s1 16:. c1. C0611 1/10 1581 Field 61 Search ..102/90, 31, 32, 33, 37.2; A Pmuca' Pymechmc ing an impact and pressure-resistant casing containing a 149/84 smoke-produc1ng charge and open aperture means when im- [56] Retmnces Cited tially accommodate at least one ignition fuse, said aperture means subsequently serving as a smoke emlsslon port or chimn- STATES PATENTS ney of the smoke ball during combustion of said charge.

1,319,329 10/1919 Gowdy ..149/84 1 Claim, 21 Drawing Figures DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION This invention is a continuation'in-part application of applicants co-pending application, Ser. No. 685,194 filed Nov. 22, 1967.

This invention relates to a practical joke item of the pyrotechnic type, and, more particularly, to a practical joke smoke-producing ball having an improved overall construction with plastic shell or casing, and, further relates to the method of making or assembling this article of manufacture.

Heretofore, in the manufacture of such practical joke, smoke-emitting items, much care and time has been required during the preparation and assembly of the various component parts and attendant sequential steps involved therein, many of the latter of which depend upon hand operations by individual workers. Many of the items of this nature embody casings which are the result of careful hand-wrapping or handassembled and glued paper mache or wood type products within which an ignitable smoke-producing charge and a projecting ignition fuse are enclosed. Because smoke items of this type are generally sold at a comparatively low price, it therefore required the employment of workers who have achieved a particular skill or special dexterity in this art in order to assure reasonably large quantity production within a given time to maintain the relatively low retail per unit price.

Accordingly, one subject of the present invention is to evolve an improved smoke-producing device of the pyrotechnic type having improved component construction and smoke-emission means, and improved time-saving methods of making the same.

More specifically, it is an object of this invention to provide an improved smoke ball of the foregoing character embodying a novel preferably two-piece integrally joined plastic shell casing which encloses an ignitable smokeproducing composition therewithin and is further provided with an igniting fuse projecting from the interior to the exterior thereof.

Another object is to provide an improved smoke ball item of the aforementioned type which in one preferred embodiment comprises preformed hemispherical housing shells formed preferably from a lightweight and colorful styrene or acetate or other non-bituminous plastic composition, said shells being adaptable to be readily and substantially instantaneously joined or fused together by an appropriate plastic glue in gas tight sealed relationship after a smoke-producing composition has been placed therein, and further includes an igniting fuse extending from said smoke charge contained therein to the exterior through an aperture provided in one of the housing shells. The fuse aperture in another embodiment is formed by complementary, partial notches oppositely disposed in the two parts comprising the housing.

A further object is to provide an improved smoke device of the foregoing type, the housing of which is fabricated of a lightweight polystyrene, acetate, or other suitable plastic material which is at least combustible-resistant and adaptable to absorb and contain heat without flaming up when the burning fuse ignites the smoke-producing charge contained therewithin.

Yet another object is to provide a practical joke smoke device of the foregoing general character, which embodies a pre-wrapped colorful smoke-producing composition, or which embodies means to envelope or cover at least the top layer of said composition, to preclude the grains of composition from sifting or otherwise working out through the fuse aperture, particularly where the aperture is made slightly oversize to facilitate better combustion within the smoke device.

Still another object is to provide an improved device of the foregoing type, the housings of which embody a flattened base means for stability and improved chimney means opposite said flattened base means to facilitate better emission of the smoke after ignition of the smoke-producing charge provided therewithin. Altemately, an enlarged planar base may be suitably attached to stabilize the completed smoke ball device.

These and further objects and advantages, such as the provision of multiple color smoke-producing devices, will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the illustrative drawings, and the novel features thereof will be defined in the appended claims.

FIGURE DESCRIPTION FIG. 1 is a perspective assembly view of one of my improved smoke-emitting devices, illustrated on substantially a full scale, with the fuse projecting through an aperture in the center of one of the body shell halves;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional detail view of the device shown in FIG. I;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view similar to FIG. I, but shown on a smaller scale and depicting a modified embodiment, with the fuse aperture formed partially in each of the body halves substantially on the central demarcation thereof which is vertically disposed;

FIG. 3a is a reduced scale perspective view of still a further embodiment directed to a modified fuse aperture;

FIGS. 4-9 inclusive are sequence views shown on a somewhat smaller scale and illustrative of a preferred method of making the smoke ball device of this invention, wherein FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing one form of inserting a fuse within the upper shell half of the devices housing;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are views in cross-section showing the placement of the lower shell half of the device's housing within a suitable recessed support or tray member to facilitate the deposit of a pre-mixed smoke-producing composition therein;

FIGS. 7 and 8 are crosssectional views respectively showing one form of preparing the shell halves for joining as by dipping of the sealing flange of the upper-half shell in a suitable solvent or adhesive affecting means, and the subsequent placement thereof upon the complemental lower half of the shell; and

FIG. 9 shows a view partially in cross-section and partially in side elevation of the completed assembly of one form of a fused smoke-emitting device of this invention and more com monly known as a smoke cherry practical joke item.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional, partially disassembled view of a slightly modified form of the components which comprise the inventive device;

FIG. 11 is an elevational view shown partially in cross-section and depicting a further modified form of the invention, and embodying an internal chimney therewith;

FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 11 and depicting still a further modification embodying dual internal chimneys and dual fuses;

FIG. 13 is an assembled elevational view of a device having a shell generally like that of FIG. 10, but modified to embody dual charges of different color smoke-producing composition;

FIGS. 14 and 15 are elevational and cross-sectional views respectively showing the alternate method of making a modified smoke-emitting device;

FIG. 16 is an elevational view of a further modified wrapping of the spoke-producing charge, with the shell halves shown in broken outlines;

FIGS. l7, l8 and 19 are additional modified forms of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is an elevational view on a greatly reduced scale showing a plurality of the practical joke smoke balls of this invention in use emitting columns of smoke therefrom.

Like reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout the several figures of the drawings wherein the smoke-producing device of this invention, which may be referred to as smoke cherry is designated generally at 10 and in one preferred form comprises a pair of preferably preformed complementary hemispherical shells including an upper shell half 11, and a lower shell half 12 formed preferably of a rigid lightweight plastic composition such as polystyrene or acetate and forming a large cavity therein to receive a smoke-producing composition. One of the half shells, preferably the upper shell half 11, is provided with a small aperture 13 of a size to receive a length of fuse l4 therethrough during assembly of said device. In some forms it may be desired to size the aperture to provide a relatively snug fit of the fuse therein, or to subsequently seal around it, to preclude loose grains of the composition from filtering out. In other forms where the composition is either coated over or pre-wrapped, then the fuse aperture is preferably slightly oversize to provide more oxygen and better internal smoldering combustion with more profuse smoke emission. A suitable plastic glue or solvent may be applied to the aperture 13, as indicated by the stipling in FIG. 4, and also may be applied to the area designated on the fuse to assure a gas-tight seal of the fuse within. the apertured shell half 11, particularly where heavier gauge fuses are used.

The upper shell half 11 and the lower shell half 12 are provided with complementary annular male and female flanged or V-notched shoulders 16 and 17, respectively, which are suitably integrally joined or fused together, as by an appropriate plastic glue or solvent as aforesaid after a predetermined quantity of the smoke-producing composition or powder P is deposited within the lower shell half 12, preferably only up to the edge of the shoulder 17 so as not to interfere with the assembly application of the upper shell half 1 l.

The fuse 14 is preferably inserted into shell half 1 l and fixed thereto at a point whereby the inserted end is substantially flush with the edge of the flange 16, or sufficient to assure ignition of the smoke-producing charge therein.

It is to be understood that the plastic shell halves l1 and 12 are capable of being mass produced in large quantities by automatic machinery, and where they are made of a polystyrene plastic material, the two halves are integrally fused or bonded together by chemical action of a suitable solvent, such as a mixture of clear lacquer and methylene chloride. When the shells are fabricated of an acetate plastic composition, an acetone solvent is preferably used. In any event, the complemental flanged shoulders 16 and 17 temporarily soften responsive to the application of said solvent and then very rapidly become integrally fused or bonded together to provide a gas-tight union of the two shell halves. The plastic composition used in the fabrication of the hemispherical shells is preferably one which is inherently impervious to moisture and therefore requires no subsequent gas-tight envelope or composition to be applied around the completed article of manufacture.

Referring more specifically to the modified form of FIG. 3, it will be seen that the fuse aperture is formed partially in each of the body portions which comprise the completed casing. the recesses may be formed substantially of equal size as at 13a, 13a, in the peripheral sealing or joining flanges, which in this embodiment are disposed in a generally vertical manner. In some forms, the recesses may be sized to lightly grip the fuse 14, while in other forms it may be desirable to oversize the aperture to permit additional air intake for improved combustion of the composition.

The principle of forming the fuse aperture in the area of the joining flanges is further modified as shown in FIG. 3a, where the notch 13b for the fuse is fully formed in only one of sealing flanges. The notch or notches forming the fuse aperture, whether of rectangular or rounded character, may be of elongated form with the dimension in one direction being such as to grip the fuse in varying degrees of firmness to help support the fuse and connected charge, particularly in the wrapped charge forms to be described. The other notch dimension may be of elongated form to provide a relatively generous clearance air space at either one or opposite sides of the inserted fuse which is adapted to be held by the edges of the narrower and aforementioned notch dimension. In this manner, where the embodiment utilizes a coalescing agent or medium to cover or to enclose the powder-like smoke-producing composition, the fuse can still be firmly or lightly gripped, as desired, by the narrower dimension notch cooperating with the edge of the sealing flange, while clearance of varying degrees may be provided by the other dimension. This latter clearance thereby facilitates better combustion of the enclosed composition, while precluding any loss of the generally powder-like composition out of the fuse aperture.

It is apparent that an improved smoke-producing ball, or other suitably shaped device, embodying a hollow shell having moistureproof and gas-tight characteristics is provided to assure both that the device will not become defective if unduly exposed to dampness and also to assure that the emission of the expanding gases from the burning smoke composition will result in a l5-20second smoke burning period, depending on size and content.

It is further contemplated that my improved smoke-producing device may be made in various sizes and in various colorfully embellished forms which are preferably inherently molded into the pre-cast hemispherical halves by the introduction therein of suitable tinting materials and colors, Some of the more preferable colors may include red, silver or grey, gold, yellow and blue, green and black. The tinting materials and colors may be so intermixed with the plastic composition during the initial molding thereof so that an attractive irregular grain-like effect may be established in the casings thus lending a greater appeal and attractiveness thereof by prospective purchasers.

An example of one practical size for my improved cherry smoke device is one having approximately a 15/16 outside diameter with an approximate 3/32 wall thickness and which contains approximately a 10 gram charge of smoke-producing composition according to one of the following formulae. Another example of a smaller cherry smoke item is one having approximately a %outside diameter with an approximate 3 32 wall thickness but containing only about 2 gram charge of smoke-producing composition according to one of the following formulae, as depicted in FIG. 3.

Exemplary formulas for producing various colored smoke are as follows:

White Smoke: Sulphur l6 parts Saltpeter 12 parts Fine Charcoal 1 part Black Smoke: Magnesium Powder l8 parts Hexachloroethane 60 parts Napthalene 2l parts Red Smoke: Potassium Chlorate 7 parts Lactose 5 parts Auramine 2 parts Chrysodine 6 parts Yellow Smoke: Potassium Chlorate 1 part Lactose 1 part Paranitaniline Yellow 2 parts Green Smoke: Potassium Chlorate 6 parts Lactose 5 parts Auramine 3 parts Indigo,

Synthetic 5 parts Blue Smoke: Potassium Chlorate 7 parts Lactose 5 parts Indigo,

Synthetic 8 parts Coming now to the description of one improved method of making these cherry smoke items, it should be recalled that, heretofore, the fabrication of smoke-producing items of this general type required many individuals carrying out as many as 12 separate operations. As an example, one old or prior art method utilized two superimposed separate paper-like cup members of tubes wherein the powdered charge is placed in the lower disposed cup and then the other or upper disposed cup is assembled in somewhat telescoping or enveloping fashion over the lower cup. These subassemblies are then placed in a wire basket, the basket is then dipped in a silicate to achieve a glass-like coating thereon and then they are placed in a rotating machine or mixer is usually electrically operated. While they are tumbling around within the mixer, a worker further introduces sawdust, silicates and colored dye to effect a built-up hard shell thereon. Following this they are taken from the mixer and placed upon drying trays where it often requires as much as 24-36 hours for them to become cured and dry. Subsequently the molded bodies are drilled one at a time to receive the igniting fuses which are inserted thereinto to complete the assembly prior to the usual packaging for shipment in the trade.

Accordingly, it has become quite desirable to provide an improved method of making articles of this type whereby an improved article is made by an improved method which permits considerably increased production in considerably less time and without the need of skilled labor.

Referring more particularly to FIGS. 4-9 of the drawing, my improved method of fabricating the smoke-producing item of this invention is graphically illustrated and will now be described. FIG. 4 depicts the upper shell half 11, which is provided with the aperture 13, as having a small amount of glue or solvent which may be placed in the aperture as well as around the fuse stem 14 and 15, and then shows the fuse 14 in its proper inserted and bonded in position. While the aforementioned fusing step is taking place, a plurality of lower shell members 12 are preferably seated in concave cavities 18 within a tray 19, said tray being adapted to be moved automatically along an assembly line during which a predetermined amount of the smoke-producing composition P is deposited in a manner as not to interfere with the sealing flanges 17 of the lower shell members. Further and preferably concurrently with the aforesaid charging operation, the upper half shells may be held by the protruding fuse ,14 and dipped into a suitable liquid solvent or plastic glue solution 20, as seen in FIG. 7, only to the extent whereby the flange 16 becomes coated with the glue. FIG. 8 shows the next step wherein the glue-coated flange 16 of upper half shell 1 l is then placed into mating relationship within the flanged seat 17 of the lower shell half 12, whereupon a near instantaneous bond between the two shell halves is effected. It is to be understood that a solvent or adhesive may be applied in plural spot form, either by hand or automatically, in lieu of the said dipping. It takes only a very few minutes for the complete drying and bonding of the two halves whereupon my improved article of manufacture and method of making the same is completed, and these improved smoke items are now ready for automatic packaging and shipment in the trade.

Referring to the modified embodiment of FIG. 10, the only difference over the aforedescribed embodiment resides in the lower half shell member 120 having a generally flattened bottom 22 opposite the fuse aperture to impart stability to the assembled device. Additionally, after the powder charge P is deposited, a thin air-permeable, bonding film or setting agent is applied in any suitable manner, as by spraying from a dispensing nozzle 24, to generally confine or coalesce the powdered composition within the lower half thereof whereby it acts as a ballast to further assure the upright disposition of the fuse aperture and fuse thereof. This is further desired so that during use thereof after the fuse is consumed by burning and the smoke composition has been ignited, the smoke and expanding non-lethal gases produced thereby will be discharged in a more efficient display by passing up through the fuse aperture 13.

Next referring to the modified embodiment of FIG. 11, it difiers from the previously described embodiments by the addition of an internal tubular chimney member 26 in the upper half of the casing 11a which may be apertured as at 28 to provide flue means through which the smoke can be better emitted. FIG. 12 is representative of still a further modification in that, depending upon the relative size of the cherry smoke devices, they may be provided with a plurality of chimneys of the aforementioned type as designated 30 and 32.

Referring to FIG. 13, the shell is substantially the same as in either FIG. 1 or FIG. 12, except for having dual fuse apertures and dual fuses 14, leading to separate charges C1 and C2 of the composition, which charges will produce two different colors of smoke.

Proceeding to the modification depicted in FIGS. 14 and 15, which supplement the previous description, the composition P is placed upon a wrapping sheet 34, the fuse 14 being positioned with one end inserted into the composition powder P, and the sheet 34 then being wrapped up and overlapping adjacent portions of the sheet in a manner to support the inserted end of the fuse and to enclose said powder. The wrapping sheets 34 may be various character, such as a combustible tissue-like paper which can be more tightly wrapped than a form comprising a light-weight, generally non-combustible, foil-like material. The fuse may be of a length to facilitate an intermediate portion 36 being then folded adjacent to the main wrapped portion and subsequently covered by an outer portion 38 of the sheet, such as depicted in FIG. 15, with the wrapped charge then being inverted with the fuse projecting from essentially the diametrically opposite side from the first described end.

In FIG. 16, there is shown a slightly further modified form with a separate ply 39, shown partially in cross-section, overlaying the sheet-wrapped charge of smoke-producing composition, said charge being disposed in an upright manner, as compared with the so-called inverted manner of that of FIG. 15. Separate ply 39 helps to cover over and seal the fuse inserted end of the wrapped charge P, more particularly where the wrapping sheet is of the foil-like character and less tightly compacted or wrapped.

FIG. 17 is representative of a two part capsule or elongated cylindrical form designated 40, which may embody either a singular color charge or plural color charges 42, 44 which may have the separate fuses disposed in parallel and intertwined as one, designated 46, or project from opposite ends as in FIG. 18. It is also contemplated that the plural color charges can be connected in series (FIG. 19) by suitable fuse means 48. The embodiment 50, in FIG. 19, may be of an elongated or cylin drical form which may stand upright on a flat base 52. It may be fabricated from two semicircular, or two cylindrical half portions, as in FIGS. 1, 3 or FIGS. 17, 18 respectively, and/or in elongated, longitudinally divided members 54, 56 shown in FIG. 19.

It is apparent that by using plural color charges of predetermined composition in parallel that during the simultaneous combustion thereof the emission through a single aperture will result in their blending as a further predetermined color. Where the charges emit through separate apertures (FIG. 18) diverse color smoke will be produced simultaneously, whereas the series arrangement of FIG. 19 will produce sequentially varying color smoke.

FIG. 20 is merely representative of a plurality of these practical joke cherry smoke devices in use giving off the plumes of variously colored smoke.

It is apparent from the foregoing that there is evolved an improved practical joke smoke-emitting article and method of making the same which fully satisfies the objectives and advantages as set forth in the preamble of this specification.

What is claimed is:

1. A non-explosive novelty, or practical joke smoke-producing article of the pyrotechnic type comprising a. a gas-impervious, moisture-resistant, hollow, light-weight shell casing initially fabricated in at least two complementary parts of a rigid, impact and pressure resistant, nonconbustible plastic material and having a fuse aperture in at least one;

a predetermined quantity of powder-like, non-explosive, combustible smoke-producing composition disposed within said shell casing;

a length of ignition fuse having one end in combustioncausing proximity with said composition within said casing and the other end extending outwardly through the fuse aperture of the casing;

d. said fuse being ignitable to in turn eiTect ignition of the smoke-producing composition, whereby the burning of said composition results in a non-explosive, profuse emission of non-lethal smoke and gas fumes from the casing out through the fuse aperture;

e. said casing including initially separate portions subsequently joined in a gas-tight manner to form a unitary article, at least one of said portions adapted to receive and support at least a part of said composition of paragraph (b); and

f. thin, sheet-like, flexible film means to coalesce said composition within said casing to preclude loss of said powder-like composition through any clearance around said fuse aperture and casing parts; and

g. said film means includes a first sheet member adapted to at least primarily loosely wrap both said composition and the fuse end in combustion-causing proximity thereto, so as to permit atmospheric oxygen to intermix with and aid combustion of said composition, and said film measurements further including a second sheet-like member of lesser magnitude overlaying said primary wrapping and having a relatively close fitting fuse-engaging aperture therein, said second sheet-like member disposed within and retained by said casing closely adjacent said fuse aperture. 

1. A non-explosive novelty, or practical joke smoke-producing article of the pyrotechnic type comprising a. a gas-impervious, moisture-resistant, hollow, light-weight shell casing initially fabricated in at least two complementary parts of a rigid, impact and pressure resistant, nonconbustible plastic material and having a fuse aperture in at least one; b. a predetermined quantity of powder-like, non-explosive, combustible smoke-producing composition disposed within said shell casing; c. a length of ignition fuse having one end in combustioncausing proximity with said composition within said casing and the other end extending outwardly through the fuse aperture of the casing; d. said fuse being ignitable to in turn effect ignition of the smoke-producing composition, whereby the burning of said composition results in a non-explosive, profuse emission of non-lethal smoke and gas fumes from the casing out through the fuse aperture; e. said casing including initially separate portions subsequently joined in a gas-tight manner to form a unitary article, at least one of said portions adapted to receive and support at least a part of said composition of paragraph (b); and f. thin, sheet-like, flexible film means to coalesce said composition within said casing to preclude loss of said powderlike composition through any clearance around said fuse aperture and casing parts; and g. said film means includes a first sheet member adapted to at least primarily loosely wrap both said composition and the fuse end in combustion-causing proximity thereto, so as to permit atmospheric oxygen to intermix with and aid combustion of said composition, and said film measurements further including a second sheet-like member of lesser magnitude overlaying said primary wrapping and having a relatively close fitting fuseengaging aperture therein, said second sheet-like member disposed within and retained by said casing closely adjacent said fuse aperture. 